Question

question 4 of 10

which term describes the red curve in the figure below?

a. ellipse
b. parabola
c. circle
d. hyperbola

Explanation:

Identify the intersecting plane and double cone

The figure shows a vertical plane intersecting both nappes (the top and bottom halves) of a double-napped cone.

Determine the resulting conic section

An intersection of a double cone with a plane that is parallel to the axis of the cone (or steeper than the generator line), cutting through both nappes, produces a curve with two separate, open branches.

Match with the correct term

The conic section consisting of two separate branches formed by this intersection is a hyperbola.

Answer:

• (A) Ellipse
• (B) Parabola
• (C) Circle
• (D) Hyperbola (Correct answer)